ECCO fall to Santos

CHAKALISA DUBE
Staff Writer | Monday May 6, 2013 00:00

 

FRANCISTOWN: Evergreen Tumelo Mazebedi and enterprising Thapelo Mosweu scored a brace each as visiting Orapa United crushed Francistown side, Amakhosi 5-0 in the Debswana First Division North League match at the This was again evident in their league match against a less impressive Uniao Flamengo Santos before a sparse crowd at the Francistown Stadium on Saturday.ECCO lost the match by a solitary goal to the visitors.The home side flattered to deceive in front of the goals with many players appearing disinterested.

The likes of defender, Vincent Radisoeng who had a sterling game against Motlakase in the midweek in Selebi-Phikwe were a shadow of themselves. ECCO coach, Atshele Molapi who cut a frustrating figure was left fuming at his charges after the shoddy performance.

The visitors scored the only game of the match  in the seventh minute through Mpho Gaegopole's header after a communication blunder by ECCO at the back. ECCO who missed several key players among them talisman Tendai Nyumasi due to injury and suspensions enjoyed much possession in the first half but lack of creativity and predatory instincts meant that the efforts came to nought. It was evident that without Nyumasi who has often-turned provider in many of ECCO's goals, Mamoja-Diski are an ordinary side.

The only notable chance for ECCO in the first half came in the 44th minute when Kebatho was released from the middle but shot straight at the Santos goalkeeper, Kgosietsile Senjoba who looked suspect in the entire match.Seconds later, Santos could who have increased their tally but ECCO captain, Emmanuel Nlu cleared from the goal line after goalkeeper, Chamonorwa Madamombe was beaten by Arnold Mampori. In the second half, ECCO created a flood of opportunities and dominated the match but failed to convert.

First midfielder Zeco Makafiri shot straight at Senjoba in the 55th minute after he was set-up by Mandlaenkosi Sibanda who is struggling to recapture his old form. Moments later a blunder by Santos presented the well-built striker Omaatla Kebatho with a change but he sent his shot wide. Midway through the second half, Manuel missed the target with the Santos goalkeeper well beaten.

The introduction of veteran midfielder, Nicholas Matlhare, Lesego Lubinda and Patrick Lenyeletse towards the end of the match did little to lift ECCO. Nlu's curling shot in the 81st minute went over the bar with the goalkeeper beaten. Santos's notable opportunity was in the 77th minute when Radisoeng cleared Mampori'effort from the goal line.